The best written references are worthless if no one sees them!

Job Reference Letters

The Job Reference Letters or job references, in short references, is also known as a Letter of Recommendation or a Character Reference letter. These terms are used interchangeably. References are written on your request by people selected by you.

Think carefully and strategically about whom you ask to represent you to a potential employer that will be checking up on you. You should feel confident that the people that you ask to vouch for you would speak highly about you and your talents and seal the deal, rather than break it.

The job reference letters can come from a favorite professor that you have had and received a good grade from his/her course, a current or previous work supervisor and/or a coworker that has experienced what it is like to work with you. If you can, tell them the type(s) of position you are looking for and skills and personal characteristics that are being sought.

Potential employers commonly ask for references whom they might contact (usually by phone) before or after interviewing you.

Be sure you have such job references at hand when you go to an interview or when you need to fill an application for employment.

Do not list your job references on your resume or CV. This list is always put on a separate page then your resume or CV and given out only when asked by the employer. When an employer ask for it, it may mean that they are seriously considering you for the position.

Be sure to touch base with your referees regularly throughout the job search process. Let them know what type of position you are aiming for as well as the organizations you have in mind. Help them think through what they should highlight about your skills and accomplishments so that it is clear that you fit the bill for the job you are trying to land.

Finally, after you have signed the job offer letter for your dream job, do not forget to let your references know of your outcome and be sure to thank them profusely! You should send them a thank you letter. References play a critical role in a successful job search.

Check the spelling and grammar of your job reference letters. Use the word processor's spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and English or other language usage errors or if you need help in organizing your job reference letter, send it to a professional for assistance.

Most recruiters expect to receive a cover letter together with your resume or CV. So, prepare a cover letter convincing the reader why you are the best candidate for the interview. If you have a difficulty with your cover letter writing use one of these: